William Preston Smith to Governor Thomas H. Hicks, November 21, 1859—7 a.m.

Baltimore, November 21st, 1859–7 A. M.

Hon. Thos. Holliday Hicks,
        Governor of Maryland,
                Annapolis.

Sir.—The President of this Company desires me to advise you at the earliest moment, that the various indications and rumors, relative to the proposed rescue of the State prisoners at Charlestown, has induced the Governor of Virginia to assemble a force of more than one thousand armed volunteers in that vicinity, as a measure of precaution; and that in view of the continued alarm among the residents of our State, opposite Harper's Ferry, it has been suggested that you may determine to renew the guard there, until the excitement shall subside and confidence be restored.

Capt. Sinn of the United Guards, Frederick, has offered the services of that Corps, but we have thought it best, under all circumstances, to refer the matter entirely to your Excellency.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. P. SMITH, M. of T.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 44-5

William Preston Smith to Captain John T. Sinn, November 20, 1859—2 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 20th, 1859—2 P. M.

Capt. J. T. Sinn, Frederick:

Received your dispatch.

We thank you and your gallant corps for your prompt offer of further service, and will at once confer with Gov. Hicks as to adopting your excellent suggestion about a detachment at Sandy Hook.

We will advise you fully should there seem to be any immediate occasion for alarm on the Maryland side, which we do not apprehend.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 42